Recap: IFLRY’S 55TH General Assembly
Recap: IFLRY’s 55th General Assembly
[19.05.2025]
The 55th General Assembly of IFLRY took place this May in Sarajevo, Bosnia and Herzegovina. Our host organization, Naša Stranka, delivered a well-organized and welcoming GA that offered everything we could hope for: democratic engagement, new members joining the family, and policy discussion.
We want to thank everyone who participated, contributed and supported this great GA.
Elections
One of the highlights of the GA was the election of our new leadership.
We are proud to welcome Hania Knio as IFLRY’s new President — the first woman from the MENA region to hold this position. Tirza Drent was re-elected as Secretary General, and Kai Pischke was elected as Treasurer.
We also elected four new Vice Presidents: Julie Ruby, Lina Braum, Amparito Sanders, and Marie Anezi.
Congratulations to all those elected, and heartfelt thanks to the outgoing Bureau for your dedication and hard work.
From left to right, top row first: Lina Braun, Julie Ruby, Tirza Drent, Kai Pischke, Amparito Sanders, Hania Knio, Marie Anezi.
New Member Organizations
We are excited to welcome several new organizations to IFLRY:
- Observer Member:
- Participation House (Azerbaijan)
- Associate Members:
- Movimiento Avanza (Nicaragua)
- Sasa Organisation (Iraq)
- Violet (Kurdistan/Iraq)
- Pépinière des Cadres Réformateurs (Senegal)
- ElAld (Egypt)
- Full Members:
- Mouvement des Forces d’Avenir (Senegal)
- Union des Jeunes du Mouvement Républicain (Congo-Brazzaville)
We look forward to working with all of you to promote liberal values around the world.
Resolutions
A total of seven resolutions were adopted at this GA, covering a broad range of global issues. The resolutions are:
- Aid or Fade: Foreign Aid Is Everyone’s Business
Advocating for increased foreign aid to meet the rising humanitarian needs. It calls for at least 1% of GDP from aid-providing countries, with aid directed towards sustainable development, poverty reduction, and strengthening democratic institutions.
- The Future of Greenland
Supporting Greenland’s right to self-determination, calls for better international representation, and urges sustainable development that respects indigenous rights. It emphasizes the importance of Greenland’s autonomy and youth involvement in shaping its future.
- Resolution in Support of Canadian Sovereignty
Condemning Trump’s threats to Canadian sovereignty, including proposed annexation and tariffs. It calls for the U.S. to stop these actions, urges global support for Canada, and emphasizes the need for diplomatic responses to protect Canada’s independence and territorial integrity.
- Saving Lives Was Never So Dangerous; Saving Lives Must Never Cost Your Life
Condemning attacks on healthcare workers in conflict zones, such as Gaza, Ukraine, and Sudan, and calls for accountability for violations of international law. It urges stronger protection for humanitarian workers and supports recognizing the red star of David as a protected medical symbol under the Geneva Convention.
- Stop Trump’s Assault on Trans and Intersex Athletes!
Condemning discriminatory policies against trans and intersex athletes, particularly those pushed by Trump. It calls for inclusive, evidence-based sports regulations, protecting the rights and privacy of gender non-conforming athletes. The motion advocates for fair competition, safe environments, and equality in both grassroots and professional sports.
- Peace Through Strength: A Liberal Approach to Global Security
Urging WTO reform to ensure fair trade rules and promote global prosperity. It opposes rising protectionism, especially U.S. tariffs, and calls for stronger trade agreements with social and environmental standards. It also advocates for better market access for developing countries and improved trade relations with the U.S.
- Defending Global Free Trade
Emphasizing the importance of free trade for global growth and stability. It opposes rising protectionism, calls for WTO reforms, and advocates for trade agreements with strong social and environmental standards to promote fair and inclusive global trade.
Debates, Fringe Sessions, and Workshops
The General Assembly also featured some great discussions, workshops, and fringe events.
One of the sessions was “Trump’s Security Challenges: Europe’s Response and Ukraine’s Future”, which explored how the influence of Trump-era politics continues to shape global security, particularly concerning Ukraine. The session, facilitated by the IFLRY Eastern Europe Programme, brought together panel insights and discussions about the threats to Ukraine’s security and the broader challenges facing Europe’s democratic resilience.
Another session was “From Conflict to Just and Lasting Peace – the Role of Young Leaders”, was moderated by Fatimazhra Belhirch from D66 and it explored how young people can lead the way in peacebuilding and democracy in post-conflict areas. It
There was also a session called “Balkan Youth on the Frontline of Change”, where young activists from the Balkans shared their stories and experiences of pushing for change in the region.
Additionally we had an IO Caucus, which facilitated a space to exchange ideas, best practices and discussions about the IFLRY 2030 vision.
At the GA we also had two workshops which was “Creating Inclusive and Safe Spaces for Women” and “Remembering Right” by YIHR gave participants the chance to dive into issues of inclusivity, gender equality, and the importance of dealing with the region’s difficult history.
Lastly we had a session called “Bosnia Beyond Headlines”, which gave a more local perspective on Bosnian politics, helping delegates get a better understanding of the host country’s political situation.
